cariocas are very open to new ideas and opinions - culturally, syncretism has played an important part in the development of many aspects of rio de janeiro - this said, certain topics are not a welcome topic of conversation or discussion.

no matter how educated or conscientious one may feel or try to be  about favela history and culture, a visitor should always defer to the knowledge and views of a carioca, who by definition has a much deeper and broader understanding - external opinions about favelas are very likely to cause offence, or at least discomfort, even when a carioca does not openly say so.

positive views about the state and condition of favelas may frustrate cariocas who are not particularly satisfied with certain aspects of the urbanization progress - at the same time, comments about negative conditions and areas for improvement may upset those who feel proud of the profound achievements and developments they have witnessed in rio's comunidades - this extends to any and all topics concerning favela life and culture.